Calling All Emerging Student Leaders

PA students are the future of both the PA profession and PA education — it’s critical that we set them up for success. PAEA’s student fellowships are one of the many ways we’re working toward that goal.

Whether a student is a budding policy wonk or a developing future teacher, these fellowships are an ideal way for students to start building their leadership skills and getting a better view of the PA education landscape.

Now in its fifth year, the Student Health Policy Fellowship(SHPF) is designed to enhance students’ understanding of political processes and health policy, as well as inspire grassroots advocacy to promote the PA profession as an integral part of the health care system. The fellowship kicks off annually in the fall, when a cohort of PA students descends upon DC for a three-day workshop that focuses on advocacy and leadership development, including a trip to Capitol Hill to meet with key members of Congress.

But the fellowship doesn’t end there. Once fellows return to their programs, they will work with a mentor to implement an advocacy project in their own community. In the past, these projects have included planning and hosting a “lobby day” at their state’s capitol, coordinating a congressperson visit with their program, and developing training for other PA students interested in getting involved in advocacy.

“This past year has shown us that the voices of constituents are more important than ever in health and education policy. The SHPF gives PA students the tools necessary to be at the table,” said Tyler Smith, PAEA’s manager of government relations.

It’s never too early for students to start considering where their career might take them. For some of them, that will be right back into the classroom. The Future Educator Fellowship (FEF) starts with a two-day track at the Education Forum where fellows convene to network and start learning about best practices in teaching and learning, the PA educational landscape, leadership development, and more.

Over the following year, fellows will participate in online coursework to continue building their expertise. This includes joining quarterly conference call check-ins, completing online learning modules, and engaging in discussion postings, among other opportunities.

“This fellowship offers students a rare opportunity to enhance their leadership skills by leaps and bounds and develop valuable networking connections, while strengthening the pipeline of future PA educators,” said Kendall Mealy, PAEA’s director of leadership, diversity, and inclusion.

Recent Stories

About PAEA®

The Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) is the only national organization representing PA educational programs. PAEA works to ensure quality PA education through the development and distribution of educational services and products specifically geared toward meeting the emerging needs of PA programs, the PA profession, and the health care industry.